With the AGM over and captains furiously running round getting signatures the excitement of new pool season is palpable.The good news is there is more sponsorship which in turn means lots more prize money. The individuals winner this season will pick up a tasty £400.

The AGM saw its members bring in a rule which is used in both the recognised International rule codes. Both World Rules and Blackball Rules have long since been a huge topic of debate in the Newry Pool scene.Many players want to bring in a complete international rule set while a lot of players, especially in the lower Divisions wanted to keep the status quo.

The "LEGAL SHOT" has now been amended.1. On all shots the player must-a) cause the cue ball's initial contact with a ball to be with a ball "on" and thenb) pot a ball "on" or Cause the cue ball or any object ball to contact a cushion.

2. Failure to play a "legal shot" is a standard foul.

3. EXCEPTIONSa) on the break the conditions of a "legal shot" do not apply.b) when playing out of a total snooker the player is only obliged to meet the conditions of 1 (a) above.i) the definition of a Total Snooker is when it is impossible to hit any of the players own colour by way of a "straight line" shot. Leaving an opponent in a total snooker is not a foul.ii) if a player believes a total snooker exists, he may ask the referee to verify.iii) If the referee rules that a Total Snooker exists, the player's obligations under the "Legal Shot" rule are relaxed as follows: - The player need only cause the Cue Ball's initial contact to be with a ball "On". The requirement to pot a ball and / or cause a ball to strike a cushion is waived.iv) In a Total Snooker, the straight sections of the cushions DO come into consideration. If a player has to strike a cushion prior to impact with a “ball on”, then a “Total Snooker” does exist.(4) Interpretations:(a) If the Cue Ball's initial contact is with an Object Ball that is touching a cushion, simply forcing that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.(b) If the Cue Ball and an Object Ball are touching the same cushion, simply forcing the Cue Ball and / or that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.

SIMPLIFYING that rule - a ball must be potted OR hit a cushion after being struck by the cue ball after every shot unless you are in a Total Snooker.No more rolling straight in behind a ball to get a snooker!IMPORTANT:If the object ball Or/And cue ball are touching a side rail then at least one ball must hit ANOTHER cushion or pot a ball for it to be deemed a legal shot.

This rule should promote more attacking games and thus make games far more exciting.Dropping the 2 shots carry as per Blackball rules was discussed at the AGM but it was decided to keep the 2 shots carry that we currently play in the Newry league.

This new rule brought in was a brave and ambitious move by those who attended the meeting. There were no proposals in the proposal box which was situated in CWC but it was decided to move with the times and help promote the local game especially for young players that enjoy a free flowing potting game.

The move towards Blackball rules is on the horizon but for continuity and fairness to the older generation it can't be rushed in. An average season sees approximately 400 players sign up for the opening fixtures and it's not fair to expect everyone to learn a new rule set in a few months especially if they only play on league nights for the social aspect.

This was never going to be enough for some individuals who have their own personal agenda. Members of the great TJ''s A have broke ranks for a number of different reasons. The obvious being that they couldn't stomach another fight with the CWC A team of last season. They were out fought and out thought by Pat Brady and co and now know Blackball rules are probably their only hope of returning to the top.There are other reasons for a breakaway league. Some players are on a power trip and want to be seen to be running their own "show".We in the Newry and District Pool League wish them good luck in their new venture. The Newry Pool League will go from strength to strength.

There was another rule which the committee has decided to clarify.(i) If the Cue Ball is potted on a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing to the opponent. (ii) If the break is not a Fair Break and the Cue Ball is potted, the penalty for failure to perform a Fair Break applies. (See (b) above).(5) If the Eight-Ball is potted on any break, the balls are re-racked and the same player will break again. When the Eight-Ball is potted on the break, all other aspects of the shot are ignored. (Except if a breach of the "Spirit of the Game occurs).PURE AND SIMPLY if the cue ball is potted off the break the opponent comes to the table with only ONE visit.NO FREE TABLE andNO 2 SHOTS.The game continues as normal.

This season ALL CUP games will consist of 3 games of pairs then 6 singles games.This means teams can still play all their CUP frames with just 6 players.The pairs games must be played FIRST.A player can only play twice on the night.The league appreciates some sides struggle to get 9 players some nights especially if it's a Tuesday so this is a great way to accommodate such teams.

ALL pairs games in the Cup matches and in the Doubles competition will be played "Scotch Doubles".This means players take alternative shots during their teams visit at the table.

The individuals will be sped up dramatically. There will be 4 games fixtured in most venues and these games will be played out like a semi-final and then a final. 1 winner will emerge from each table.Games will start 8:15pm.Too many times players have turned up to a venue and had no opponent to play. This will mean it will be hugely unlikely that a player will venture out to their individuals game and not get a competitive frame.It will reduce the nights needed to complete the competition.

The pool sheets need to be handed back by Thursday 24th August with £100 registration fee.

Roll on the new season and get yourself signed up to one of the biggest pool leagues in the whole of Irelandand lets play pool.